Hardy's Cottage

Dorset

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy

Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ

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The garden path leading to the Hardy's Cottage, near Dorchester in Dorset

The most accessible walking route to reach Hardy’s Cottage is via the bridlepath running behind the visitor centre. The bridlepath is unsurfaced and can be muddy and uneven. Accessible parking is available behind the cottage for visitors, please phone on the day of your visit to book an accessible parking space (01305 262366). Trampers (all-terrain mobility scooters) are available to hire from the visitor centre. There is no charge, but users must be members of Countryside Mobility. Please ring 01305 251228 to book a Tramper. Virtual Tour laptops and a Braille guide are available at Hardy's Cottage upon request.
Hardy's Cottage - Cottage and Garden - National Trust | AccessAble
Designated parking
Narrow corridors
Seating available
Steps/uneven terrain
Virtual tour
Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
Type in 'Thorncombe Wood Car Park' into Sat Nav. A35, from Dorchester and the west: From the A35, at the Kingston Maurward roundabout take the exit signposted Kingston Maurward and Higher Bockhampton. Follow the road to the next crossroads and turn left (there is a small sign for Hardy's Cottage). Look out for a pair of cottages and a red letter box on your right, and turn right into the lane. Follow the lane round to the right and into the Thorncombe Wood Dorset Council car park. A35, from the east: From the A35, take the exit signposted Higher Bockhampton onto Cuckoo Lane. After half a mile, turn left towards Hardy's Cottage. Follow the lane round to the right and into the Thorncombe Wood Dorset Council car park. Please allow 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the car park to the cottage.
Parking: Car park owned by Dorset Council; Charges apply. Please note: There is limited accessible parking by prior arrangement only. Call 01305 262366 or email hardyscottage@nationaltrust.org.uk to arrange.
By road - more information
By train
Dorchester South 4 miles; Dorchester West 4 miles
Cycling
Follow National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 2 out of Dorchester, heading East. Take left turn, off NCN Route 2, towards Lower Bockhampton (follow white finger posts). Continue through Lower Bockhampton, and straight over crossroads, following white fingerposts to Higher Bockhampton and Hardy's Cottage. Turn right, following fingerposts to Hardy's Cottage and Higher Bockhampton. As you come down the hill, you will see the Visitor Centre straight ahead of you. There are cycle racks available at the Visitor Centre. Plan your route to Hardy's Cottage using the CycleStreets journey planner via the by bicycle link below. (This journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If you come to a footpath or other cycle-prohibited track, please don't ride on it).
Cycling - more information
From the Car Park
The cottage is a 15-20 minute walk from the car park, either along a bridle path or through the woodland. Bridlepath: From the car park, walk back up the lane and turn right along the gravel bridlepath. The cottage is at the end of the path, on the right hand side. Woodland: A more tranquil approach, but steep and uneven in places. Follow the path up the slope to the left and turn left at the first branch of the path, signposted 'Hardy's Cottage' on a wooden waymarker. It is not necessary to visit the visitor centre before visiting the cottage but you may wish to use facilities and pick up a leaflet with a map.

Planning your visit

Booking your visit to Hardy's Cottage

Find out what you can expect from your visit to Hardy's Cottage, how to book, and how to change your booking.

A view of a laden kitchen table inside Granny's Kitchen at Hardy's Cottage, Dorset

Walk with us: guided walks in Dorset

We are now coming to the end of our 2026 walk programme but there are still some walks you can join before the season is out, including our walk from Max Gate which follows a route which Thomas Hardy loved. We are also offering a guided walk from Hive Beach to Cogden led by our expert volunteer who discusses the changes to our coastal landscape - see below for more details. Once we have got our timetable ready for 2027 we will start posting all the new dates again here. Thank you for all your support, we can;t wait to see you all again very soon.

A woman and a man with a baby carrier looking out over the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap in Dorset, on a bright summer's day

Family Days Out in North and West Dorset

Looking for family-friendly adventures this summer? North and west Dorset is full of places to explore, from woodland trails and wildlife spotting to coastal walks and hands-on activities. Discover National Trust sites including Hardy's Cottage, Clouds Hill, Golden Cap and Hive Beach, with seasonal events and plenty of opportunities for children to connect with nature, learn something new and enjoy the great outdoors.